AI settles GOAT debate and it's not Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi

Ronaldo, Messi, Pele, Maradona - whoever you think is the greatest footballer of all time, it could be debated until the end of time.

Whether those in the past would be able to cope with the rigours of the modern game is a question that is impossible to answer. Meanwhile, it has been suggested that some of the more recent stars would not be able to display their abilities on some of the wretched pitches of the past.

The Mirror has called on ChatGPT to come up with an answer over who actually is the best player of all time. Take a look at what they have suggested:

10. Ferenc Puskas

A Hungarian icon, the striker was known for his goalscoring prowess. He scored an eye-watering 625 goals on club level, whilst he also notched 84 strikes on the international stage.

Starting his career in his homeland, he moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 1958 and won five league titles and three European Cups. Puskas sits sixth in the club's all-time top scorers list.

9. George Best

The Northern Irish winger is often considered as one of the best wingers of all time for his performances for Manchester United and his home nation. He is well known for his eye-catching dribbling and flair on the ball. Best's legend is so well-secured that he has a statue dedicated to him alongside other Red Devils' icons outside of Old Trafford.

8. Zinedine Zidane

The French midfielder was known for his elegance on the ball and ability for the spectacular. Another of Real Madrid's legendary figures, he also represented Cannes, Bordeaux and Juventus throughout his career.

His all-time highlights arguably include a spectacular volley in the 2002 Champions League final, and winning the 1998 World Cup with France.

7. Franz Beckenbauer

The first defender on the list, the German is regarded as one of the best of all time in his position. Beckenbauer redefined what it meant to be a central defender, as he trademarked the "sweeper" role.

He also played a crucial role for Bayern Munich and West Germany throughout his hugely successful career. He won four Bundesliga titles, three European Cups and a World Cup.

6. Alfredo Di Stefano

A teammate of the great Ferenc Puskas, the pair assembled what is arguably the most prolific strike force in football history. The Spaniard was a versatile forward who helped Real Madrid establish a period of dominance in the 1950s and 1960s.

His goalscoring record is equally as impressive with 480 club career goals to his name. Los Blancos have dedicated a stadium used by their second and women's team to his honour.

5. Johan Cruyff

From one Spanish powerhouse to another, Dutch forward Johan Cruyff was already assured of his place in footballing folklore even before establishing his ground-breaking 'Total Football' philosophy at the Camp Nou.

The Dutchman had successful spells with Barcelona and Ajax, winning no less than ten league titles and three European Cups during his career. He also has three Ballon d'Ors to his name.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese forward has been a dominant force for clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He is another to have claimed multiple Ballon d'Ors. Ronaldo currently has five in his collection to add to the nearly countless trophies that he has also won.

The veteran forward sits at the top of Real Madrid's all-time top scorers list with 450 goals - nearly 100 strikes ahead of fellow modern-day icon Karim Benzema.

3. Lionel Messi

A fierce rival of Ronaldo throughout his career, the pair have arguably improved each other over the last two decades. Messi is considered by most to be the greatest of his generation.

The Argentine is admired for his scintillating dribbling ability and goalscoring instinct. He achieved remarkable success with Barcelona before his switch to Paris Saint-Germain, whilst he answered many doubters by helping Argentina to the World Cup in Qatar.

2. Diego Maradona

From one World Cup-winning Argentine to another, Diego Maradona is an almost god-like figure in both the South American nation and in Naples. His skill and creativity were among his potent weapons throughout his playing career.

Like Messi, he spearheaded Argentina's World Cup win in 1986 - albeit his infamous Hand of God having soured opinions of the forward on English shores.

1. Pele

Despite all of the illustrious names on the list, the Brazilian is widely considered as one of the greatest footballers in history. He won the World Cup on three occasions, whilst he also scored over 1,000 goals - although that claim has been disputed on a few occasions.

Pele never actually ventured into European football with the majority of his career spent with Brazilian giants Santos. That has not seen opinions of the forward impacted though as he claims the top spot in this list.

The last word

This list will no doubt trigger plenty of debate, with some supporters outright disagreeing. However, ChatGPT has explained why the list has turned out the way that it has.

A statement read: "Determining the top 10 greatest footballers of all time is highly subjective, and opinions on this matter can vary widely depending on personal preferences, generations, and criteria used for evaluation. Here's a list of 10 footballers who are often mentioned among the greatest of all time, but please note that this list is not definitive, and there are many other legendary players who could also be included."

Who else do you think could be included in the list of GOAT nominees? Let us know in the comment section!